September 19, 2013

Rookie J.J. Wilcox vows to be ready when his number is called

Rookie J.J. Wilcox vows to be ready if the Cowboys are ready for him to play a bigger role on defense. Wilcox has taken six snaps on defense this season, all in the Giants game, but he was taking first-team snaps in practice Thursday.

"Well, you’re only one snap away when you’re a backup," Wilcox said. "With that being said, I think I am [ready to play more]. I’m going to continue to keep preaching it: Be ready when my number’s called. It’s a great team. I’m going in a great direction, so I just want to be ready.”

Wilcox led the team in tackles in preseason and had an interception and two pass breakups. He had been expected to compete with Will Allen, a 10-year veteran who signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys, for the starting strong safety job. But Wilcox missed 11 days in August to be at his dying mother's side, and Allen had a solid camp.

The Cowboys drafted Wilcox, a skill position player until his senior season at Georgia Southern when he switched to defense, to be the future starter. His turn may come sooner than later. Allen has allowed six catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns, according to STATS, Inc.